Latest News

CHRIS STEVENSON, QMI Agency

May 1, 2011

, Last Updated: 3:49 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA - Things might go better with Coke.

But not as far as the NHL is concerned.

Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara told the QMI Agency he got a memo from the league advising him not to drink the Coca-Cola soft drink - at least not from a Coke-branded container - while on the bench during games.

Chara was shown having a sip from a Coke bottle on the bench during the Bruins’ Game 7 win over the Montreal Canadiens in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. Coke rival Pepsi is one of the league’s marketing partners (which also includes the Gatorade brand of sports drink).

“I got a few messages from my friends, ‘what are you doing? We saw you on TV.’ In that situation, you don’t really think what’s allowed or not allowed, you’re just trying to get something for you,” said Chara.

Chara, who missed Game 2 of the Montreal series because of dehydration (he lost 10 pounds because of a virus) said he was looking for a little jolt.

What does he get from a sip of Coke?

“Sugar and a little caffeine. I felt like I needed some sugar and something bubbly. I asked for a Coke. I usually don’t drink Coke at all. I have a Coke maybe once a month. I just felt like I should try it as an energy booster, quickly, you get the boost really quickly from a little caffeine. I know a lot of guys do that. Some guys like to drink it before the game. Sometimes during a game.”

Did it help?

“Yeah, I felt good, actually. I don’t like too much of it. Just a little sip.”